5.3.5  Delivery of the baby’s body

After the shoulders are born, the rest of the body usually slides out without any trouble. Remember that new babies are wet and slippery. Be careful not to drop the baby!

Put the baby on the mother’s abdomen, dry the baby with a clean cloth and then put a new, clean blanket over him or her to keep the baby warm. Be sure the top of the baby’s head is covered with a hat or blanket. If everything seems OK, give the baby the chance to breastfeed right away. You do not have to wait until the placenta comes out or the cord is cut.